Xavier Tillman, arguably Michigan State’s all-around MVP during this tournament run, told reporters that he will be returning to the team next season.
When asked if he was going to be returning to the team next year, Xavier Tillman seemed surprised, but quickly said, “I’ll be back next year.” Tillman, the 6’8 Sophomore Forward/Center from Grand Rapids, MI emerged this season after the unfortunate injury to Nick Ward.
Tillman was never expected to become a star. He was the 112th ranked player in his high school class. But after putting up a historically good season, capped off with probably the best defensive job on Zion Williamson we’ve seen this season, he is starting to be considered a legitimate NBA prospect.
Recently, SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell ranked him as the 4th best NBA prospect in the Final Four. That’s higher than teammates Aaron Henry and Cassius Winston, who both made that list.
Tillman has proven himself to be a mobile big man, who is a beast defensively, who can rebound effectively, and he’s even developed into a strong offensive player with a growing ability to space the floor. He finished the year with 10th best plus-minus in college basketball since 2011, and his 39.0 net rating led all starters.
Time will tell if Tillman has a chance at the next level, but if the last three months are any indication, I think he will have every opportunity at the next level.
